When should trial period start?

My position is being made redundant with 5 weeks notice, ending on 5th October. I have been offered an alternative position which I plan to accept with a 4 week trial period.

I believe that the trial period should start after my current contract has ended but my employer is asking me to start the trial period during my notice period. Can they do this? I hope not as I would like to have my 5 weeks notice period plus the 4 week trial period as a way of buying me more time.

Thanks

Many thanks for your question. To help clear this up for you.

The notice period is a contractual right which you are entitled to under employment legislation.

The alternative employment which you have been offered and have a 4 week trial period is for a new job and strictly speaking the trial period should start at the end of your notice period for your current job.

If your employer wishes for you to commence the trial period before your notice period ends, then they should pay you in lieu of the notice. So if you started now, they should pay should 5 weeks in lieu of notice.

You are also entitled to holiday pay in your notice pay.

I hope this information helps.